Operating mechanism for a writing instrument



OPERATING MECHANISM FOR A WRITING INSTRUMENT l Filed oct. 17, 1955 Aug. l1, 1959 I c. HANSEN 2 sheets-smet 1 E www mf @n ITW,

I'IVQ lITI L. C. HANSEN Aug. 11, 1959 OPERATING MECHANI-SM FOR A WRITING INSTRUMENT Filed Oct. 17, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 QJ. NW 1 11111.

.1. |1|. -VTIIIL INVENToR. @fail/1f United States Patent O OPERATING MECHANISM FOR A WRITING INSTRUMENT Lewis C. Hansen, Fort Madison, Iowa, assignor to W. A.

Slieater Pen Company, Fort Madison, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Application October y'17, 1955, Serial No. `540,988

9 Claims. (Cl. 1Z0-42.03)

This invention relates to an improved operating mechanism for a writing instrument and more particularly to an improved mechanism for alternately moving the writing unit of such an instrument between an extended writing position and a retracted position within the barrel of the instrument.

It is an important object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for a writing instrument utilizing a single means to effect both extension and retraction of the writing unit.

Many operating mechanisms for extending and retracting a writing unit have heretofore been proposed. Many of the devices previously proposed have utilized a plurality of actuating buttons, one customarily functioning to extend the writing unit and a second functioning to release the writing unit for retraction into the barrel of the instrument. Such a device using a plurality of buttons is generally inconvenient and confusing to the user. Preferably a device utilizing a single push button for both extending and retracting the writing unit is employed.

Devices heretofore proposed utilizing a single push button have generally employed various mechanical elements such as toggles or levers, some of which rely upon the gravitational elect for operation. Such devices utilizing pivotal parts, gravitational force and the like have generally proven unreliable and expensive to manufacture.

Still other devices have been proposed heretofore using a single push button in which the degree of depression determines the mode of operation; that is, if the push button is fully depressed the mechanism functions to retract the writing unit, while, if the push button is only partially depressed the writing unit is expelled forwardly into the writing position. For positive and easy operation of an actuating mechanism it is desirable that a single push button function to extend and retract the writing unit on alternate depressions of the push button irrespective of the degree of motion thereof.

It is therefore a further object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for a writing instrument utilizing a single push button for both extension and retraction of a writing unit.

It is another object of this invention to provide an irnproved mechanism for writing instruments in which a single push button may be fully depressed to effect alternate extensions and retractions of an associated writing unit.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an improved mechanism for writing instruments having no pivoted or rotatably mounted parts subject to wear but utilizing only dat spring members and sliding parts.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for alternately moving an element between two predetermined positions, said mechanism being completely self-contained permitting utilization with any associated instrument irrespective of the nature thereof.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an ICC improved operating mechanism for a writing instrument comprising an integral unit freely abutting and cooperating with a writing unit.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for a writing instrument comprising a simple two part construction.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for a ball point writing instrument in which the operation of the mechanism is positive irrespective of slight variations in manufacturing tolerances and independent of the position or condition of the writing instrument when actuated.

Further and additional objects of this invention will become manifest from a consideration of this specification, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

In one form of this invention a writing instrument is provided having a barrel, a writing unit contained therein and mounted for reciprocation between an extended writing position and a retracted position, and an actuating mechanism having a manually engageable push button for alternately moving the writing unit between the extended and the retracted positions. More particularly, an actuating mechanism is provided comprising a push button and plunger engageable with the writing unit, and a U-shaped spring carried by the plunger and engageable with the barrel upon alternate manual depressions of the push button to maintain the writing unit in the extended position.

For a more complete understanding of this invention reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a longitudinal sectional view of the rearward portion of one embodiment of this invention illustrated in the writing position;

Fig. 1A is a view of the forward portion of the embodiment of Fig. l, also illustrated in longitudinal section;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 1A taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rearward portion of the embodiment of Figs. l and 1A illustrating the operating mechanism in an over-extended position during retraction of the writing unit;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of Figs l and 1A, with the writing unit in the retracted position;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 1A with the writing unit in a partially extended position;

Fig, 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 1A with the writing unit in an overextended position while being conditioned for writing;

Fig. 7 illustrates the operating element and U-shaped spring forming a part of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 1A;

Fig. 8 is an end view of the operating element and spring illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the element and spring illustrated in Fig. 7 taken along the line 9-9 thereof; and

Fig. 1,0 is an exploded view of the operating element and U-shaped spring of Fig. 7.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 and lA, one embodiment of this invention is illustrated and `comprises basically a barrel 10, a writing unit 12 within the barrel, a helical spring 14 urging the writing unit 12 rearwardly within the barrel 10,V and an operating mechanism 16 to alternately maintain the writing unit in an extended position and permit the writing unit to retract into the barrel under the influence of spring 14. The barrel 10 includes a forward section 18 threadedly connected to a rearward section 20. The

rearward or cap section 20 has a pocket clip 22 of a conventional type secured thereto. The rearward end of cap 20 is provided with an aperture 24 adapted to pass therethrough a manually engageable push button 26 which formsa p'art of the operating mechanism 16. The forward section 18 of the barrel 10 has a forwardaperturel 28 to'passa Writing` element therethrough, a shoulder 30 rearwardly of the `aperture 28 to restrain the writing unit 12 against excessive extension, andan additional shoulder 32 rearwardly of the shoulder 30 adapted to receive the helical spring 14 and maintain said spring normally under compression.

The writing unit 12 comprises a reservoir 34 contain-` ing a pasty Writing-medium, a forwardly extending feeding tube 35, and a writing element 37 which in this embodiment is a conventional ball type applicator. The spring 14 abutsV againstthe forward end of reservoir 34 urging the reservoir rearwardly within the barrel 10.

As illustrated in Figs. l and 1A, the writing unit 12 is maintained in an extended writing position by the operating mechanism 16. The mechanism 16 includes an operating element 36 having a generally cylindrical cross section which is recessed to receive a U-shaped flat spring 38. The operating element 36 has a forward cylindrical portion substantially conforming -to the internal diameter of the cap 20 and a rearward push button portion 26 of somewhat reduced cross section. The forward end of element 36 has a transverse recess or space 40 which receives the bight portion 42 of the spring 38l andthe cylindrical surface thereof has two longitudinal spaces 44 and 46 which pass the legs 48 and 50, respectively, of the U-shaped spring 38 therethrough; The structure of the operating element 36 and the U-shaped spring 38 is most clearly shown in Figs. 7-10. The relationship of the two parts is best shown in Fig; wherein it can be seen that the U-shaped spring 38 is assembled in the operating element 36 by inserting the free ends of legs 48 and 50 into the respective apertures 44 and 46, whereby the legs lie in longitudinal recesses 52 and 54 formed in the push button portion 26 of element 36.

A collar 56 is secured within the cap 20 and defines a shoulder 58 engageable by the free end of spring leg48. As illustrated best in Fig. l, the shoulder 58 is preferably formed with a slight lip at the inward edge thereof whereby the end of spring `leg 48 is more positively held in the desired position. When spring leg 48 is in engagement with shoulder 58, the spring leg forms a rigid locking element with the bight portion 42 in engagement with the rearward end of writing unit 12 thus maintaining the writing unit in the extended position.

The spring leg 48 is substantially straight with the exception of a single offset or protuberant portion 60" formed therein which engages a lateral shoulder defined by a peripheral web portion 64 of the operating element 36 when the pen is conditioned for writing, as illustrated` in Fig. l. This engagement between the leg 48 and element 36 urges the free end of leg 48inwardly away from the collar 56. However, because of the force of helical spring 14 urging the writing unit rearwardly, the spring 38 is also urged rearwardly whereby the spring leg 48 is maintained against the shoulder 58. A very slight extension of the writing unit 12 by depression of the pushy button 26 releases the tension on spring 38 permitting the spring leg 48 to assume' the position illustrated in Fig. 3. Therein it can be seen that the free end of leg 48 is lying in the longitudinal recess 52 whereby the writing unit 12 and operating element 36 may move rearwardly toward a retracted position.

The retracted positions of the writing unit 12 and operating element 36 are illustrated in Fig. 4` The spring 38 remains in a forward position relative to the operating element 36 whereby the outwardly formed or protruding portion of spring leg 48 remains in abutment with the peripheral web 64 of the operating element 36, thus maintaining the free endA of leg 48inA the recess 52. Furthermore the spring leg 50 is substantially straight but has an outwardly disposed protuberant portion or offset 62 formed intermediate its free end and the bight portion 42. In the position illustrated in Fig. 4, this discontinuity engages the rearward edge of collar 56. Thus upon subsequent depression of the push button 26 as illustrated in Fig. 5, engagement of the offset 62 with collar 56produces relative movement between the spring 38 and the operating element 36. As the operating element 36 moves forwardly, the spring. 38 remains fixed as a result ofthevengagement with collar 56 until the bight portion 42 engages the rearward surface of recess 40.

The above described relative movement of spring 38 and operating element.36 causes the protuberance 60 to assume the position illustrated, rearwardly of the peripheral web 64 of operating element 36. Thus the spring leg` 48 is-free to move outwardly and abut against the collar 56.

The operation of the various parts upon further depression of the push button 26fis illustrated in Fig. 6. As the push button 26 is moved forwardly, -the protuberance 62 is forced inwardly into the recess 54 formed inthe operating element 36 and is thus free to pass forwardly'of the collar 56. Also as the spring leg 48 moves forwardly of the collar S6 it is forced outwardly by its inherent resiliency to assume 4the position illustrated in Fig. 6 against the inner surface of cap 20.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, the writing unit 12 and operating. element 36 are in a somewhat over-extended position and upon release of manual pressure on the push button portion 26, the parts will once again assume the positions: illustrated in Figs. l and 1A. That is, the fee end of spring leg 48 will engage the shoulder 58 of collar 56, the peripheral'webV 64 of operating element 36 will be forced rearwardly, consequently moving the protuberant portion 60 of leg 48 inwardly into the recess 44, and spring 38 will be'shifted forwardly relative to the operating element 36. Thus the rearward end of the writing unit 12 will again abut the bight portion 42 of spring 38A whereby the ball'type writing element 37 will be maintained in the writing position as shown in Figs. 1 and lA.

Thusv a'complete operating cycleof the embodiment of this linvention illustrated hereinr has been described in detai The entire operation is lcontrolled primarily by the unique shapes of the U-shaped spring 38 and its legs. The writing element is maintained in its extended positlon by the engagementv of one of the spring legs with the shoulder formed in the pen barrel. The one leg is urged inwardly by engagement of the operating element with aprotuberant portion formed therein. The engagement of the operating element with said protuberance is interrupted during alternate depressions of the operating element by relative movement of the spring and element. Thereby positive operation of the writing unit between any extended and a retracted position is insured irrespective of the degree of depression of the push button or the skill of the operator whoy is controlling the same.

While one particular embodiment of this invention has been described herein in detail, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that -various modifications may be incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, the shape of the spring may be altered substantially provided only that the basic functions thereof are retained. Furthermore, the shape of the push button, the type of writing element, and the construction of the barrel may be altered without in any way varying the manner in which they operating mechanismy functions or." the results produced thereby.

Withoutfurth'er elaboration,A the foregoingwill. so fully explain the character of my invention that others may, by applyigf- Current knowledgm readily adapt the same for `use under varying conditions of service, while retaining certain features which may lproperly be said to constitute the essential items of novelty involved, which items are intended to be dened and secured to me by the following claims.

l claim: Y

l1. An actuating device comprising a housing, an elongate operating element shiftable in said housing between an extended latched position and a retracted unlatched position, said element having a rearward portion extending from said housing and a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and said forward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, resilient means urging said element to said retracted position, and U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally flexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, said housing having a shoulder therein to receive one of said leg portions and maintain said element in the extended position, said one leg portion being urged to an inward position away from said shoulder by engagement with said shoulder portion of said element when said bight portion is in the forward position in said transverse space, the second of said leg portions frictionally engaging said housing whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means at said rearward position in said transverse space when said element is shifted from said retracted position toward said extended position whereby said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

2. An actuating device comprising a housing, an elongate operating element shiftable in said housing between an extended latched position and a retracted unlatched position, said element having a rearward portion extending from said housing and a forward peripheral lweb portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and said forward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, resilient means urging said element to said retracted position, and U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally flexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, said housing having a shoulder therein to receive one of said leg portions and maintain said element in the extended position, said one leg portion having a protuberance therein engageable with said shoulder portion of said element when said bight portion is in the forward position in said transverse space to urge said one leg to an inward position away from said shoulder, the second of said leg portions frictionally engaging said housing whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means at said rearward position relative to said element when said element is shifted from said retracted position toward said extended position whereby said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

3. An actuating device comprising a housing, an elongate operating element shiftable in said housing between an extended latched position and a retracted unlatched position, said element having a rearward portion extending from said housing and a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and said forward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, resilient means urging said element to said retracted position, and U-shaped spring means" having a bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally flexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, said housing having a shoulder therein to receive one of said leg portions and maintain said element in the extended position, said one leg portion having a protuberance thereiny engageable with said shoulder portion of said element when said bight portion is in the forward position in said transverse space to urge said one leg to an inward position away from said shoulder, the second of said leg portions having an outward protuberance therein, said outward protuberance frictionally engaging said housing adjacent said shoulder whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means at said rearward position relative to said element when said element is shifted from said retracted position toward said extended position whereby said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

4. In a writing instrument having a barrel portion, a writing unit therein axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and resilient means urging said unit to said retracted position, an actuating mechanism contained in said barrel portion and in free abutting relationship with said unit comprising an operating element coaxial with said unit and rearwardly disposed in said barrel portion, said element having a rearward portion thereof extending from said barrel portion and a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and said forward portion cooperating to dene a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, and U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally flexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, said barrel portion having a shoulder therein to receive one of Said leg portions and maintain said unit in the extended position, said one leg portion being urged inwardly away from said barrel portion by engagement with said shoulder portion when said bight portion is in said forward position in said transverse space, the second of said leg portions frictionally engaging said barrel whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means at said rearward position relative to said element when said operating element and said unit move toward said extended position whereby said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

5. In a writing instrument, a barrel portion, a writing unit therein axially movable between an extended writing position and a retracted position, resilient means urging said unit to said retracted position, an operating element coaxial with said unit and rearwardly disposed in said barrel portion, said element having a rearward portion thereof extending from said barrel portion and a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and said forward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, and U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longituidnally rigid, laterally flexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, said barrel portion having a shoulder therein to receive one of said leg portions and maintain said unit in the extended position, said one leg portion being urged inwardly away from said barrel portion by engagement with said shoulder portion when said bight portion is in ,said forward position in the transverse space, the second of said leg portions frictionally engaging said barrel whereby` said bight portion is retarded togposition said resilient means atsaid rearward position relative-to saidV element when said'operating element and said unit moveA toward said extendedA position whereby said oneleg por-- tion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequentl engagement with the shoulder.

6. In a writinginstrument, a barrel portion, a writing unit therein axially movable between an extended writing position and a retracted position, resilient means urging said'unit to said retracted position, an operatingelement coaxial with said unit and rearwardly disposed in said barrel portion, said` element having-a rearward portion thereof, extending from said barrel portionand a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion andl said forward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, and U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable between a forward position anda rearward posi-tion in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally fiexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, said'barrel portion having a shoulder therein lto` receive one of said leg portions and maintain saidiunit in the extended position, said one leg portion having al pro tuberance therein engageable with said shoulder portionl of said element when said bight portion is in the lforward position in said transverse space to urgesaid one legto an inward position, spaced away from said shoulder, the second of said leg portions frictionally engaging said housing whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means at said. rearward position relative to said element when said element is shifted from said retracted position toward. saidV extended position whereby said one leg. portion is freed from said shoulder' portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

7. In a writing instrument, a-barrel portion, a writing unit therein axially movable between anextended'writing position and a retracted position, resilient means urging said unit to said retracted position, `an operating element coaxial with said unit and rearwardly disposed in said barrel portion, said element having a rearward portion thereof extending from said barrel portion and a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and saidforward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, and U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally flexible leg portions extending rearwardly therefrom andV normally urged outwardly, said barrel portion having a collarv therein defining a shoulder to receive one of said' leg portions and tracted position toward said. extended position wherebyV said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

8. In a Writing instrument having a barrel, a writing unit therein axially movable between anY extended writingv position anda retracted position,- and resilient means urging said unit to saidretracted position, an actuating mechanism contained in said barrel and in free abuttingV relationship ywith said unit comprising an operating element coaxial with said unit and having a forward portion in abutting relationship with said unit and a rearward portion of reduced cross section extending rearwardly beyond said barrel, said element having a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate4 lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and saidA forward' portion cooperating to define a longitudinalV space inwardly of said shoulderl portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, U-shaped spring means havinga bight portion movable between a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally flexible legs extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, one of said legs extending through said longitudinal space, and a collar disposed in said ybarrel and defining a shoulder engageable by said one leg to maintain said unit in the extended position, said one leg having a protuberance therein engageable with said shoulder portion of said element when said bight portion is in the forward position to urge said one leg inwardly away fromsaid shoulder, the.other of said legs frictionally engaging said collar whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means. at the rearward position relative to said element when said element is shifted from said retracted position toward said extended position whereby said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

9. In a writing instrument having a barrel, a writing unit therein axially movable between an extended writing position and a retracted position, and resilient means urging said unit to said retracted position, an actuating mechanism contained in said barrel and in free abutting relationship with said unit comprising an operating element coaxial with said unit and having a forward portion in abutting relationship with said unit and a rearward portion of reduced cross section extending rearwardly beyond said barrel, said element having a forward peripheral web portion defining an intermediate lateral shoulder portion, said rearward portion and said forward portion cooperating to define a longitudinal space inwardly of said shoulder portion and a transverse space forwardly of said shoulder portion, U-shaped spring means having a bight portion movable ybetween a forward position and a rearward position in said transverse space and longitudinally rigid, laterally exible legs extending rearwardly therefrom and normally urged outwardly, one of said legs extending through said longitudinal space, and a collar disposed in said barrel and defining a shoulder engageable lby said one leg to maintain said unit in the extended position, said one leg having a protuberance therein engageable with said shoulder portion of said element when said bight portion is in the forward position to urge said one leg inwardly away from said shoulder, the other of said legs having a protuberance frictionally engageable with said collar whereby said bight portion is retarded to position said resilient means at the rearward position relative to said element as said unit and element are moved to the extended position whereby said one leg portion is freed from said shoulder portion to permit outward movement for subsequent engagement with the shoulder.

References Cited in the file of this patent FOREIGN PATENTS 962,176 France Dec. 5, 1949 809,514 Germany July 30, 1951 896,025 Germany Nov. 9, 1953 

